Description
This Beefy Potato Taco Casserole is a hearty and easy crockpot recipe featuring tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a blend of creamy cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines classic taco flavors with a cheesy casserole twist, requiring minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb Lean 96/4 Ground Beef
- 1 oz Taco Seasoning Packet
- 1/2 cup (120 g) Salsa
Vegetables
- 2 Large Russet Potatoes (about 24 oz total)
- 1 Medium White or Yellow Onion
- Green Onion for Topping (to taste)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1/2 cup (113 g) Fat-Free Cottage Cheese
- 1/2 cup (128 g) Queso Cheese Dip
- 1 cup (112 g) Lite Shredded Mexican Cheese (divided: 3/4 cup for mixing, 1/4 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and dice the potatoes according to your preference, whether cubed, diced small, or sliced. Dice the onion and set both aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for a few minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup salsa and the taco seasoning packet. Mix well and continue cooking for about 5 minutes, ensuring the beef is mostly cooked through, even if slightly pink inside.
- Assemble crockpot ingredients: Place the diced potatoes, diced onion, fat-free cottage cheese, queso cheese dip, and 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese into the crockpot.
- Add cooked beef: Transfer the seasoned ground beef from the skillet into the crockpot with the other ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese over the top of the mixture in the crockpot.
- Cook the casserole: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours until the potatoes are tender and the cheese has melted together.
- Garnish and serve: After cooking, chop green onions and sprinkle on top for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting taco casserole.
Notes
- Cottage cheese adds creaminess and extra protein but can be substituted with cream cheese or cheddar cheese soup for a similar texture. Avoid sour cream or Greek yogurt as they alter the flavor and texture.
- The recipe is versatile: ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner option.
- Some liquid may accumulate after cooking due to cheese oil runoff; this will settle as the casserole cools and does not affect taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
